CONFIRMED FOR 2011:
ENCLAVE: Aside from new wheels and new paint colors, Buick's big crossover SUV is unchanged for 2011.
LACROSSE: The 2.4 liter engine, introduced last year on the base-model LaCrosse CX, is now available in the mid-level CXL, and the spare tire can be replaced by an optional tire repair kit. 4-cylinder LaCrosse gets the MPG-boosting eAssist system in 2012; see BEYOND 2011 below.
LUCERNE: Electronic stability control is now standard, and bucket-seat models get two new CD stereos (with and without navigation) and a USB input jack on the center console.
REGAL: Buick's new mid-size car is based on the European-market Opel Insignia; in fact the two cars are nearly identical. The base engine is a 182 horsepower 2.4 liter four-cylinder, and in place of the traditional V6, the Regal is available with a 220 horsepower 2-liter engine. Both come with a 6-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual is planned for the turbo Regal. A sporty Regal GS is in the works.
BEYOND 2011:
2012 LACROSSE: All 2012 LaCrosses with the 4-cylinder engine will get eAssist (an updated version of the old BAS "mild" hybrid system). eAssist uses a beefed-up motor/generator in place of the alternator; it provides a 15 hp boost under acceleration and recharges during braking. The engine also gets a start-stop system that shuts the engine off when the car is stopped in gear. EPA fuel economy estimates are 25 MPG city/37 MPG highway, compared to 19/30 for the current 4-cylinder LaCrosse.
2012 VERANO: Buick will field a small four-door compact sedan, based on the Chevrolet Cruze, as a 2012 model.
COMPACT SUV: Buick plans to offer a mini-SUV, smaller in size than the Chevrolet Equinox. No word on whether this model will be shared with other GM divisions.
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